Other Good Cores (V2)

[Air]

Approved by Haunter

Good Cores

​

In Pokemon, the word "core" refers a group of 2 or More Pokemon which work well together. Whether this be through synergy, coverage, or removing each other's counters, there are any cores that have been discovered and proven to work well, and many cores yet to be discovered. Having a solid core is the starting point of building a solid team.The purpose of this thread is to both discuss cores that work well in the current meta-game, and make a database of cores for anyone to use. All cores posted in this thread will be posted here in the OP, unless silly, or ineffective.

When posting cores, please use this format:

Format for Posting Cores

Pokemon Showdown! Format.
[Up to 3 Pokemon can be used, 4 is pushing it, however, if the core is good enough it can be accepted]

Pokemon @ Item
Ability: [Ability]
EVs: Evs / Evs / Evs ~ [HP, Atk, Def, SAtk, SDef, Spd]
[Nature] Nature
IVs: [Ivs] ~ (Only If Needed)
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4

Pokemon @ Item
Ability: [Ability]
EVs: Evs / Evs / Evs ~ [HP, Atk, Def, SAtk, SDef, Spd]
[Nature] Nature
IVs: [Ivs] ~ (Only If Needed)
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4

In a paragraph, describe how the core works

In a paragraph, describe threats to the core

In a paragraph, describe what pokemon can support the core

Offensive Cores

Offensive Cores

OR

 

[Air]

Defensive Cores

Defensive Cores

 

[rachet67]

I'll edit this post with landorus/keldeo/pursuit user core later today promise I will tomorrow, had lots to do tonight. I just put the core on a new post since this one's so far back.

And thanks for starting it back up.

 

[Parker.]

Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 248 Hp / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis
- Sludge Bomb / Knock Off / Earthquake / Hidden Power [Fire]

List of S or A rank Pokenon that Venusaur checks:
SubToxic Aegislash (if it has Earthquake)
Bisharp
Thundurus (non-Defiant)
Azumarill
Garchomp
Greninja (no Extrasensory)
Gyarados (no Bounce)
Keldeo (no HP Flying)
Mega Tyranitar
Clefable
Heatran (if it has Earthquake)
Hippowdon
Landorus-T (no SD)
Manaphy
Rotom-W
Terrakion
Chansey
Mega Garchomp
Mamoswine

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Will-o-wisp / Toxic
- Roar / Protect
- Stealth Rock / Earth Power

Pokemon from S or A rank that Heatran checks:
Mega Charizard Y
Deoxys-D
Deoxys-S
Thundurus
Mega Scizor
Talonflame
Dragonite (non-Earthquake)
Ferrothorn
Gengar
Latios
Latias
Mandibuzz
Chansey
Scizor
Skarmory
Zapdos.

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature / Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Toxic
- Haze / Earthquake / Ice Beam

Pokemon from S or A rank that Quagsire checks:
Mega Charizard X
Thundurus
Azumarill
Garchomp
Kyurem-B
Pinsir
Scizor or Mega Scizor
Talonflame
Tyranitar or Mega Tyranitar
Dragonite
Excadrill
Landorus-T
Terrakion
Gyarados
Mamoswine
Zapdos

This is a very nice defensive core. All or nearly all offensive threats are handled by one or more of these Pokemon. Along with Skarmbliss, this is THE most common stall core, and for good reason.

Oddly enough, the biggest threat to the core is Nasty Plot Celebi. It really doesn't give a shit about Toxic, and only really fears a strong Sludge Bomb or Lava Plume.

Celebi @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Giga Drain
- Psychic
- Earth Power

This core also has a problem with Mega Gyarados, so Ferrothorn wouldn't be a bad teammate, especially considering how well this core deals with Fire-types.

SkarmBliss supports this core well, nearly competing a stall team as well as fearing nothing from NP Celebi. Obviously hazard support is needed, being a stall team. Therefore, Deoxys-D could be an effective lead.

VenuTranSire (nice name rite) is one of the best cores in the current metagame, and something that every team should have answers for.

 

[dadoux]

Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 248 Hp / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis
- Sludge Bomb / Knock Off / Earthquake

List of S or A rank Pokenon that Venusaur checks:
Deoxys-S (offensive)
Kyurem-B
Mega Mawile
Mega Scizor


Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Will-o-wisp / Toxic
- Roar / Protect
- Stealth Rock / Earth Power

Pokemon from S or A rank that Heatran checks:
Bisharp
Greninja
Kyurem-B (non-Earth Power)

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature / Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Toxic
- Haze / Earthquake / Ice Beam

Pokemon from S or A rank that Quagsire checks:
Mega Gyarados
Mega Garchomp

The pokemon in bold are not really checked by your core actually lol
Deoxys-S (offensive) vs Venusaur: Well...i really don't get it lol:
252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-S Psycho Boost vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Venusaur: 408-484 (112 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Kyurem-B vs Venusaur: Kyube breaks thick fat with his ability, you have no way of OHKO-ing it and Ice beam does a ton of damage:
252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Venusaur: 307-367 (84.3 - 100.8%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-B: 127-150 (32.3 - 38.2%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Mega Mawile vs Venusaur: Without EQ, SubSD variant can set-up on you easily, and even with EQ, the SD 3 attacks version is never 2HKO'd at full health and a +2 Iron head / Sucker punch does a crapload of damage to you:
+2 252+ Atk Huge Power Mega Mawile Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Venusaur: 307-363 (84.3 - 99.7%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252+ Atk Huge Power Mega Mawile Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Venusaur: 205-242 (56.3 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Mega Venusaur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Mawile: 120-142 (39.4 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
Mega Scizor vs Venusaur: Without Hp fire, how do you check SDbulkyzor? He can easily get at +6 and roost off the Leech seed's/EQ's damages which are pretty bad by the way:
+6 0 Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Venusaur: 229-270 (62.9 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Mega Venusaur Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Mega Scizor: 54-64 (15.7 - 18.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock

Bisharp vs Heatran: SD variant clearly beats you, after a defiant boost (I guess you got a Defog user with that kind of defensive team) the LO all out version can also beat you on the switch:
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 419-493 (108.5 - 127.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 313-370 (81 - 95.8%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Without Lefties:
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 211-250 (54.6 - 64.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Greninja vs Heatran: This one is a mystery for me lol, you can't 2HKO it, and it can 2HKO you clearly, you're going to loose your Heatran badly if you try to check it
252 SpA Life Orb Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Heatran: 276-328 (71.5 - 84.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
4 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Greninja: 108-128 (37.7 - 44.7%) -- 60.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage

Kyurem-B (non-Earth Power) vs Heatran: I've never seen a Kyube without Earth Power, it's like saying "Grolem checks Scizor without bullet punch!!!". And just for the fun:
252+ Atk Choice Band Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 209-246 (54.1 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Teravolt Kyurem-B Outrage vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 187-221 (48.4 - 57.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Mega gyarados vs Quagsire : Mold breaker breaks unaware, you have to rely on a scald burn to "check" it, and he got the same chance to flinch you with a +1 Waterfall:
+1 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
Mega garchomp vs Quagsire: Under the sandstorm, DM+EQ is a clean 2HKO, and DM+Outrage can do the job too, you can't switch on it:
204 SpA Mega Garchomp Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Quagsire: 276-325 (70 - 82.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
52 Atk Sand Force Mega Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire in Sand: 184-217 (46.7 - 55%) -- 14.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
52 Atk Mega Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 169-201 (42.8 - 51%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Parker.]

The pokemon in bold are not really checked by your core actually lol
Deoxys-S (offensive) vs Venusaur: Well...i really don't get it lol:
252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-S Psycho Boost vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Venusaur: 408-484 (112 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Kyurem-B vs Venusaur: Kyube breaks thick fat with his ability, you have no way of OHKO-ing it and Ice beam does a ton of damage:
252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Venusaur: 307-367 (84.3 - 100.8%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-B: 127-150 (32.3 - 38.2%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Mega gyarados vs Quagsire : Mold breaker breaks unaware, you have to rely on a scald burn to "check" it, and he got the same chance to flinch you with a +1 Waterfall:
+1 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

lol this is me not remembering teravolt and just plain not considering psycho boost

Mega Mawile vs Venusaur: Without EQ, SubSD variant can set-up on you easily, and even with EQ, the SD 3 attacks version is never 2HKO'd at full health and a +2 Iron head / Sucker punch does a crapload of damage to you:
+2 252+ Atk Huge Power Mega Mawile Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Venusaur: 307-363 (84.3 - 99.7%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252+ Atk Huge Power Mega Mawile Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Venusaur: 205-242 (56.3 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Mega Venusaur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Mawile: 120-142 (39.4 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

you are right

Mega Scizor vs Venusaur: Without Hp fire, how do you check SDbulkyzor? He can easily get at +6 and roost off the Leech seed's/EQ's damages which are pretty bad by the way:
+6 0 Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Venusaur: 229-270 (62.9 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Mega Venusaur Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Mega Scizor: 54-64 (15.7 - 18.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock

i thought i had put hp fire as an option for venusaur

Bisharp vs Heatran: SD variant clearly beats you, after a defiant boost (I guess you got a Defog user with that kind of defensive team) the LO all out version can also beat you on the switch:
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 419-493 (108.5 - 127.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 313-370 (81 - 95.8%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Without Lefties:
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 211-250 (54.6 - 64.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

nobody would defog with a full health bisharp on the other team lol, where are you getting the +1 from?

Greninja vs Heatran: This one is a mystery for me lol, you can't 2HKO it, and it can 2HKO you clearly, you're going to loose your Heatran badly if you try to check it
252 SpA Life Orb Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Heatran: 276-328 (71.5 - 84.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
4 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Greninja: 108-128 (37.7 - 44.7%) -- 60.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage
Kyurem-B (non-Earth Power) vs Heatran: I've never seen a Kyube without Earth Power, it's like saying "Grolem checks Scizor without bullet punch!!!". And just for the fun:
252+ Atk Choice Band Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 209-246 (54.1 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Teravolt Kyurem-B Outrage vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 187-221 (48.4 - 57.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Mega garchomp vs Quagsire: Under the sandstorm, DM+EQ is a clean 2HKO, and DM+Outrage can do the job too, you can't switch on it:
204 SpA Mega Garchomp Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Quagsire: 276-325 (70 - 82.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
52 Atk Sand Force Mega Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire in Sand: 184-217 (46.7 - 55%) -- 14.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
52 Atk Mega Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 169-201 (42.8 - 51%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

you're right on these
i've edited my post to reflect these. still, it's a pretty darn good core

 

[dadoux]

Yeah the core is not bad dude, i'm just helping you to sell it better!

 

[michaeloche]

Gyarados @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Waterfall
- Roar

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SDef
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball

Description: Gyarados and Ferrothorn form the defensive core for my current team. Gyarados takes the Fighting and Fire attacks, while Ferrothorn can easily come in on Electric and Rock attacks. Not only do they cover each other's weaknesses perfectly, but they also punish anything that tries to use contact moves against them. Intimidate is also fun, as it basically means, among other things, Gyarados laughs in the face of Talonflame, likely making it do more damage to itself unless it uses Brave Bird or is boosted. Gyara also likes to come in on something that sets up and Roar it away, while Ferro can also annoy setup mons with Leech Seed, sapping their health away.

Threats: Strong special attackers are probably the biggest threat to this core. Rotom-H deserves particular note, as it has a 4x effective STAB on both Gyara and Ferro. Rotom-W is annoying to a lesser extent, but it's only able to burn Ferro rather than KO it. Keldeo that carry HP Electric can muscle their way past this core, but will likely have to switch out after taking one out due to such sets usually running Specs. Other threats include Mega Manectric, Zapdos, and, to a lesser extent, Mega Charizard Y. Although relatively uncommon, SD Terrakion also poses a threat; +1 Stone Edge OHKOs Gyara with any item, while CC almost always OHKOs Ferro with LO, even without boosting. However, Gyro Ball always OHKOs in return, even without CC's defense drops, plus Power Whip does hefty damage as well, so Terrakion has to be careful switching in. Bisharp can sponge Intimidate with Defiant and pose a threat at +1.

Teammates: Something that can take special attacks makes for a good teammate. Wish and Aromatherapy support helps too, as Ferro's recovery is slow and he dislikes being burned, while RestTalk is, well, RestTalk. For this reason, Chansey is a very good ally, as it can perform all three of the above tasks in a single set. Hazard control is also appreciated, because Gyara is weak to Stealth Rock and Ferro doesn't like repeatedly switching in on Spikes. If you're concerned about Terrakion, Forretress (or, if you're feeling adventurous, Claydol) can handle him as well as spinning, while Mandibuzz can do the same and provide Defog, though she can't switch in on Stone Edge because it 2HKOs her. Mandi can also handle Bisharp pretty well, but beware of Defiant unless she has Whirlwind. In addition, something that can attack the threats to this core will help. Scarf Garchomp, for example, nails Manectric, Terrakion, and Bisharp with EQ and Rotom-H, Zapdos, and Charizard with Stone Edge, and is guaranteed to outspeed all the threats except for Scarf Terrakion/Keldeo or anything that gets boosted somehow.

 

[Parker.]

Gyarados and Ferrothorn

Nice and creative core, RestTalk Gyara is a monster. I'd mention that Mega Manectric kinda has its way with your core. Scarf Garchomp could be an excellent third member, taking care of Mega Manectric and Terrakion with a fast EQ and taking care of Rotom-H with Stone Edge.

 

[midend]

If we're talking ou, even defensive zapdos nails these pokemon with a 4x SE move respectively

 

[michaeloche]

Nice and creative core, RestTalk Gyara is a monster. I'd mention that Mega Manectric kinda has its way with your core. Scarf Garchomp could be an excellent third member, taking care of Mega Manectric and Terrakion with a fast EQ and taking care of Rotom-H with Stone Edge.

If we're talking ou, even defensive zapdos nails these pokemon with a 4x SE move respectively

Good thoughts, I've edited those in.

 

[Aragorn the King]

I believe 's' should be used in place of 'c'

Both spellings are accurate, I believe.


Here are a lot cores, each consisting of three Pokemon. Pick 1 Pokemon from each category, and you're good to go!

Hazard Layer Setter

@ Red Card
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave

@ Focus Sash
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Destiny Bond
- Ice Beam

@ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd / 29 HP
- Spikes
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder

Spin Blocker

@ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Defiant/Competitive User

@ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Pursuit

(M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Hidden Power [Ice]

@ Life Orb
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Recover

The standard core, DeoSharp, is very good, however, all variants can be used to great success. Deoxys-D is a much more bulky hazard setter, one that always gets two layers of hazards up thanks to its speed and bulk. Froslass, on the other hand, uses Destiny Bond to scare the opponent into not attacking, thus allowing it to always get two hazard layers up, unless the opponent is willing to sacrifice a Pokemon. Roserade is a fantastic offensive Spike Stacker. It can cripple other Pokemon with the Sleep Status, punch huge holes in them with Life Orb Boosted Leaf Storms and "Flamethrowers" coming off of 125 Base Special Attack, all while setting up layers of spikes. The spin blocker is nearly always Air Balloon Aegislash, thanks to its ability to handle Excadrill (Air Balloon Gengar is just dumb). Aegislash is very bulky when it wants to be, but can also hit very hard when need be. Your broadest selection of Pokemon comes from the Defog "Blocker." Bisharp is the standard; it hits super hard with its Dark and Steel STAB. It also causes mind games with Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Thundurus is the weakest of the bunch, but is also by far the fastest. It hits reasonably hard with its Electric STAB, and can use Knock Off, HP Ice, and Superpower for general coverage. Milotic is the most interesting of the bunch. It hits the second hardest of the three, is the most bulky, and is the second fastest. It also has the ability to heal off its Life Orb recoil + general assaults. However, despite being very powerful, it relies on an inaccurate move to be viable.

Despite being generic, this core, most commonly DeoSharp, is very useful on HO teams.

9 Cores in the Desired Format

Deoxys-D @ Red Card
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Pursuit


Froslass @ Focus Sash
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Destiny Bond
- Ice Beam

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Pursuit


Roserade @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd / 29 HP
- Spikes
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Pursuit


Deoxys-D @ Red Card
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Hidden Power [Ice]


Froslass @ Focus Sash
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Destiny Bond
- Ice Beam

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Hidden Power [Ice]


Roserade @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd / 29 HP
- Spikes
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Hidden Power [Ice]


Deoxys-D @ Red Card
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Milotic @ Life Orb
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Recover


Froslass @ Focus Sash
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Destiny Bond
- Ice Beam

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Milotic @ Life Orb
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Recover


Roserade @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd / 29 HP
- Spikes
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Milotic @ Life Orb
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Recover

EDIT: Edited to add the amazing Roserade.

 

[The Shellder Smuggler]

Both spellings are accurate, I believe.


Here are a lot cores, each consisting of three Pokemon. Pick 1 Pokemon from each category, and you're good to go!

Hazard Setter

@ Red Card
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 Def
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave

@ Focus Sash
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Destiny Bond
- Ice Beam

Spin Blocker

@ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
- Sacred Sword

Defiant/Competitive User

@ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Pursuit

(M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Hidden Power [Ice]

@ Life Orb
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Recover

The standard core, DeoSharp, is very good, however, all variants can be used to great success. Deoxys-D is a much more bulky hazard setter, one that always gets two layers of hazards up thanks to its speed and bulk. Froslass, on the other hand, uses Destiny Bond to scare the opponent into not attacking, thus allowing it to always get two hazard layers up, unless the opponent is willing to sacrifice a Pokemon. The spin blocker is nearly always Air Balloon Aegislash, thanks to its ability to handle Excadrill (Air Balloon Gengar is just dumb). Aegislash is very bulky when it wants to be, but can also hit very hard when need be. Your broadest selection of Pokemon comes from the Defog "Blocker." Bisharp is the standard; it hits super hard with its Dark and Steel STAB. It also causes mind games with Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Thundurus is the weakest of the bunch, but is also by far the fastest. It hits reasonably hard with its Electric STAB, and can use Knock Off, HP Ice, and Superpower for general coverage. Milotic is the most interesting of the bunch. It hits the second hardest of the three, is the most bulky, and is the second fastest. It also has the ability to heal off its Life Orb recoil + general assaults. However, despite being very powerful, it relies on an inaccurate move to be viable.

Despite being generic, this core, most commonly DeoSharp, is very useful on HO teams.

This all good, but Froslass doesn't get competitive :]

I'll put my cores later

 

[Aragorn the King]

This all good, but Froslass doesn't get competitive :]

I'll put my cores later

Yup, you're right. I just copied the format from Milotic, and forgot the ability. :P

 

[MixMence]

Charizard @ Charizardite - Y
Ability: Blaze (Drought)
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest/Timid < Need Calc
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast/Dragon Pulse
- Roost

Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 8 SpA / 248 Spe
Nature: Hasty/Naive
- Fire Blast/Draco Meteor
- Outrage/Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Summary:

- Type Synergy helps with coverage
- Garchomp threatens any rock type that tries to take out Charizard-Y.
- The goal of this core is to have a physical wall breaker and a special wall breaker.
- Garchomp takes care of Blissey, Chansey, and other special walls. The above were mentioned because they are the most common. Quagsire can be a bitch if the sun isn't up, however that's rare due to drought.
- Charizard-Y covers for ice types that are usually lured out by Garchomp.
- Charizard-Y screws water STAB with the sun.
- Charizard-Y hits hard; this means that it is putting holes in anything that isn't a special wall (which Garchomp should take care of) or isn't resistant to it (which is hard with all this type coverage).
- Fire Blast on both gets sun support, so that's a plus.

Team Support:

- Wish Support is helpful to make these two hard hitters last longer.
- Tanks that can take hits from threats that are faster than Y or Chomp (mostly scarfers).
- I try to spread toxic around to weaken the majority of the team, then hammer them with Fire Blast and Outrage depending on the situation.
- Chansey is helpful with Wish and Heal Bell, although Sylveon will do the same. Vaporeon is also ideal since it can take water and ice attacks.
- Unaware users are helpful to keep your team from being setup bait, and getting rid of boosts will make it easier for Y and Chomp to switch in and KO anything that needs to be.
- ANYTHING THAT KEEPS STEALTH ROCK OFF OF THE FIELD.
- Having something that sets up Stealth Rock or anything that withers opponents' HP away make the above's jobs much easier.
- Spinblockers are beneficial.

Threats:

- Quagsire (w/o sun up)
- Sandstreamers; namely Tyranitar and Hippowdon.
- Priority revenge killers are a pain in the ass when on low HP.
- Toxic or status moves.
- Scarf users.

^^^
* with the above threats mentioned, specific teammates that help are:

- Ninetales
- Ferrothorn
- Chansey
- Vaporeon
- Sylveon
- Bisharp
- Slowbro
- Quagsire
- Aegislash
- Trevenant
- Scizor
- Azumarill

 

[The Shellder Smuggler]

Charizard @ Charizardite - Y
Ability: Blaze (Drought)
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest/Timid < Need Calc
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost

Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 8 SpA / 248 Spe
Nature: Hasty/Naive
- Fire Blast
- Outrage/Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Summary of Core: I use this core with the thought to break as many walls with these two as possible. Both physical and specially defensive pokemon are covered (I'm talking to you Chansey and Hippowdon). Garchomp takes out special walls like Chansey and Charizard Y hurts almost anything that isn't an extremely effective special wall. The core plays off physical and special bias. Also type synergy is great. Garchomp' Fire Blast is amplified by drought, so that's also something to catch Ice Types off guard. I'll post more when I get home.

Seems like a good core, but it can be improved:

- Timid is always the best option for Charizard Y, because with 252 EVs and a neutral nature you cap at actually only 299, which definitely is respectable, but could be improved. Charizard Y already has crazy special attack anyways, you'll always be 417 special attack with a neutral nature.

- You should probably also have a Naive Nature for Garchomp, because Rough Skin damage is only induced by physical attacks, so you don't want to take hits too hard on your physical side, just for extra rough skin damage. It's small, but it counts. Small > Nothing.

- Garchomp already has good offensive stats, I would put a rocky helmet instead, but LO may also still be a good option.

- I would overall just use Latias in general over Garchomp. Latias learns Dragon Pulse instead of Dragon Claw, takes much less damage from Ice Beam, can use HP Fire being boosted by Drought, has a much better special attack stat as well as much better defenses, and has access to reliable recovery (Roost) so you don't need to worry about using LO

 

[MixMence]

Seems like a good core, but it can be improved:

- Timid is always the best option for Charizard Y, because with 252 EVs and a neutral nature you cap at actually only 299, which definitely is respectable, but could be improved. Charizard Y already has crazy special attack anyways, you'll always be 417 special attack with a neutral nature.

- You should probably also have a Naive Nature for Garchomp, because Rough Skin damage is only induced by physical attacks, so you don't want to take hits too hard on your physical side, just for extra rough skin damage. It's small, but it counts. Small > Nothing.

- Garchomp already has good offensive stats, I would put a rocky helmet instead, but LO may also still be a good option.

- I would overall just use Latias in general over Garchomp. Latias learns Dragon Pulse instead of Dragon Claw, takes much less damage from Ice Beam, can use HP Fire being boosted by Drought, has a much better special attack stat as well as much better defenses, and has access to reliable recovery (Roost) so you don't need to worry about using LO

The only issue I have with using Latias is that it has no physical threat. Chansey would cripple both and easily wall both unless the second attacker was a physically based pokemon. Personally I love the thought of MixMence on this, but Garchomp outclasses it for it is faster and hits harder.

 

[The Shellder Smuggler]

The only issue I have with using Latias is that it has no physical threat. Chansey would cripple both and easily wall both unless the second attacker was a physically based pokemon. Personally I love the thought of MixMence on this, but Garchomp outclasses it for it is faster and hits harder.

Dude that's why the move psyshock exists...

 

[The Shellder Smuggler]

It still isn't doing much.
252 SpA Life Orb Latias Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 200-238 (31.2 - 37.1%) -- 79.1% chance to 3HKO

Dunno, most Latias carry calm mind

 

[AJawesome07]

I guess this is getting nitpicky, but I think a "core" should be defined as it is in the OP, but instead of 2-6 pokemon, something like 2-3 pokemon, since a core of 4 or more pokemon isn't really a core, it's the majority of the team.

 

[MixMence]

Dunno, most Latias carry calm mind

Still, for a physical WALL BREAKER I would not want something that would have to set up first in order to break.

 

[Rosen]

DEFENSIVE CORE

Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 216 Def / 252 HP / 40 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Brave Bird
- Whirlwind
- Roost

Ampharos-Mega @ Ampharosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 220 HP / 208 SDef / 80 SAtk
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt/Hidden Power Ice/Hidden Power Fire
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
- Volt Switch

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 232 HP / 252 Def / 24 Spd
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Flamethrower/Knock Off
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled

DESCRIPTION:
Right, so this is a transer-over from the old Good Cores thread. As you can clearly see, it is a Dragon/Steel/Fairy core, but there are lots of those. So what makes this one any different? Well, mainly, Mega Ampharos. Being only one of two pokemon in the game to possess a dual Dragon/Electric typing, he has a niche role in OU as being the only Dragon-type pivot switch. And damn, does Mega Amph make a damn fine pivot switch. With 90 / 105 / 110 base defenses, he becomes incredibly bulky with defensive investment. Hell, at full health he can survive a Greninja ice beam. Plus, thanks to Mold Breaker, he becomes the only pokemon in the game capable of OHKOing opposing Skarmory at full health, and ground-type switch ins have to be wary of his other attacks, as Excadrill is nailed by Focus Miss Blast, Garchomp by Dragon Pulse/HP Ice, and Lando/Gliscor by HP Ice as well (although Dragon Pulse makes a rather large dent should you prefer to keep T-Bolt).
Skarmory has excellent synergy with Amphabulous, and he can take the physical attacks that Ampharos can't handle quite as well. Skarmory is one of the most stable and reliable pokemon and has been since his introduction, and is the best steel-type defensive partner for His Magesticness. Clefable, thanks to magic guard, takes Will-O-Wisps and Toxics like a pro, and Ampharous laughs at those who try to T-Wave it. As far as synergy goes, Dragons and Fairies are already good, but Ampharos' typing with Clefable's ability - well, it's a match made in heaven.

SUPPORT OPTIONS:
All three pokemon complement each other beautifully, but that being said they aren't quite impenetrable on their own. Ampharos, as a pivot switch, is going to take a beating. So, a cleric should be an obvious/necessary support option for this core, and luckily, the best one for this core happens to be the best one out there:

Chansey (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic/Thunder Wave
- Wish
- Protect

So, you add the greatest cleric/special wall in existence to the core, and now what do you get? SkarmBliss + Dragon/Steel/Fairy. My oh my. Notice, though, how this Chansey is not running heal bell. And, thanks to this core, you shouldn't have to! Clefable LOVES burns/poison, Skarmory is immune to poison entirely, and Ampharos can't be paralyzed. Plus, thanks to natural cure, you don't have to worry about status on the blob either. Thunder Wave is the preferred option here, as it allows the rest of your team to pick outspeed something that may have previously been a threat. Should you choose a more stallish option, go for Toxic. But really though, best possible parter to this core. But not the only good one, so let me get on to the other highly-recommended compadre:

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 Atk
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Recover

Unaware is a boon to this team, as it's one of the few ways this core is capable of getting past Mega Charizard-X. Burns from Scald also provide a great deal of support to the core, as with them, even Chansey becomes a titanic physical wall. Quag also adds a stall element to the team, and has immense synergy with Clefable (Unaware + Magic Guard = profit), Chansey, and Skarmory.

So, I know I may have gone overboard here with the rule limitations, as my suggestions have basically turned into a core themselves. So I'll go ahead and list them separately, but really they should be put together. So those cores are:

Skarmory/Ampharos/Clefable
+
SkarmBlissQuag
​

I'll go ahead and list the threats as if this were being treated as one giant core, but if the OP requests, I'll do them separately. Not all the "threats" are definitive threats to the team, but ones that can be problematic:

THREATS:
Keldeo
Latios (semi checked by Clefable)
Latias
Kyurem-B
Choice Band Azumarill
Chansey/Blissey
Mega Venusaur (semi checked by Skarmory/Ampharos/Blissey, but still a threat nonetheless)
Landorus-I

LIST OF CHECKED/SEMI-CHECKED POKEMON:
Skarmory
Talonflame
Staraptor
Belly Drum Azumarill
Mega Charizard-X
Mega Charizard-Y
Mege Pinsir
Mega Scizor
Mega Gyarados
Mega Mawile
Scizor
Excadrill
Dragonite
Mamoswine
Terrakion
Hippowdon
Ferrothorn
Garchomp
Bisharp
Heatran
Rotom-W
Manaphy
Tyranitar
Landorus-T
Gengar
Gyarados (non-EQ variants)
Zapdos
Thundurus-I
Mandibuzz
Conkeldurr
Gliscor
Politoed
Suicune
Breloom
Lucario
Crawdaunt


I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, if anyone else sees any to add to either list, please let me know!

Edit: Some replays, will continue to add more as I see fit:

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-114444017
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-114465744 <- I'm a bitch in this one apparently
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-114486859 <- Semi-stall vs. Semi-Stall. UGH

 

[Inspirited]

Still, for a physical WALL BREAKER I would not want something that would have to set up first in order to break.

Boosting wallbreakers are not unheard of, I tend to treat SD Garchomp like one actually since static SD will hardly ever sweep, but it definitely breaks A LOT stuff not named Togekiss at +2 or can just outright attack it's switch in for size able damage

Calm Mind Latias is more of a stall breaker than a wall breaker, especially when Substitute > Roost is carried. This is a good suggestion though since that core has issues breaking stall, but another stall breaker other than Latias is probably mandated here because of the pressure the two he nominated put on balanced teams. I'm dry on options right now but I will definitely suggest when they come to me.

Life Orb Garchomp is probably the best option here although Sub SD Chomp could fulfill the stall breaker role you need although you will have a much harder time with Togekiss this way. It's your call.

Once again, I'm a veteran that is out of practice as far as OU is concerned, so some of my own suggestions may be slightly rash

 

[z0mOG]

Offensive Core: (Hyper offensive team)


Gyarados @ Gyaradosite/Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 HP
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
- Ice Fang(Mega) / Bounce (Regular)

Jolteon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Both cover each other's weaknesses entirely (except rock but who gibs a shit), you can get some momentum switching your jolteon into your gyarados and setting up dragon dances on an obvious switch, and both can break stall pretty well. Just something I enjoy, I guess discuss if it's good or not.

 

[Rosen]

Offensive Core: (Hyper offensive team)


Gyarados @ Gyaradosite/Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 HP
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
- Ice Fang(Mega) / Bounce (Regular)

Jolteon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Both cover each other's weaknesses entirely (except rock but who gibs a shit), you can get some momentum switching your jolteon into your gyarados and setting up dragon dances on an obvious switch, and both can break stall pretty well. Just something I enjoy, I guess discuss if it's good or not.

It was good last gen, but Jolteon isn't as good this time around. Raikou is generally better.